The two-way dual language program is a model of bilingual education that strives to maintain the native language of the student who is acquiring a second language.

 

Purpose/Goal

 

The goal of the program is to develop full biliteracy and bilingualism while fostering cross- cultural awareness. It is designed to develop proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in both English and Spanish.

 

Program Description/Summary

 

Students receive instruction in both languages beginning with a kindergarten cohort through sixth grade. English speakers and English language learners are integrated for academic instruction in accordance with the program design and model selected by the school district’s board of trustees. Fifty percent of the students in this program are dominant English speakers and fifty percent of the students are native Spanish speakers.

 

Qualification Requirement

 

Parents of incoming kindergarten students are eligible to apply for admission into the two-way dual language program beginning in the spring of the prior school year. Students must be zoned to BISD. The application/admission process includes:

 

1. Attend 1 of 3 orientation meetings

2. Completed application

3. Completion of student’s oral language proficiency test

4. Completed 10 minute observation of a kindergarten two-way dual language class

 

An overall score will be given to each student and those with the highest ranking will be invited to participate in the program.

 

The Two-way Dual Language Programs at Henderson and Johnson require a 6-year commitment (kindergarten through fifth grade), and parents must provide transportation to and from school if the student lives outside the Henderson or Johnson school zones.

 

If you have questions or need more information about the Two-way Dual Language Program, please contact:

 
Henderson Elementary